Elounda Holidays

from £133 per person

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Elounda holidays 2021

Understated Elounda is a gorgeous little escape from the larger resorts on the island of Crete. A pretty little fishing village on the east coast, holidays to Elounda promise laid-back vibes and stunning sunrises.

A small, colourful harbour with painted boats bobbing in the azure ocean is the centre of the activity in Elounda. In summer, the sizzling Cretan sun makes this a brilliant getaway for lounging by the sea, while in winter temperatures are mild enough to enjoy a spot of hiking in the hills.

Nature in Elounda

Beyond the glistening coastline in Elounda is a mountainous landscape criss-crossed with walking trails through beautiful, native olive tree groves. On the slopes of 563-metres-high Mount Oxa is a relatively straightforward hike, which ascends the peak to reveal panoramic views of Agios Nikolaos and the Gulf of Mirabello below. In the depths of the ocean that laps Elounda’s shoreline is a host of fascinating sea creatures worth seeking out, from seahorses to octopus and even starfish.

Overview
Things to do
Places to stay

Why book Elounda holidays

Discover the best beaches

Elounda is home to a couple of Blue Flag beaches, including the main Elounda Beach and the quieter Driros Beach

Sample the local food

Check out one of Elounda's traditional tavernas for a drink and a tasty Greek bite to eat

Must-visit historical sites

Visit Spinalonga Island, the former leper colony and one of Crete's most visited sites

Explore the local markets

Love checking out the local markets? Don't miss the stalls on Fridays!

Hit the nightlife & bar scene

Have a fun chilled night out at Elounda's bars, or go to Aghios Nikolaos for an even livlier time

Popular with couples

Elounda holidays are as romantic as they come, think stunning views, interesting sights and wonderful beaches

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Your guide to Elounda holidays

Time to explore

Top attractions

Holidays to Elounda can be as relaxing or active as you like, as beyond the beach there are some fascinating attractions to explore.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of Elounda’s landscape, the island of Kolokythas is connected to the town via a causeway. Take a hike around the island’s trails, stopping off at little churches and viewpoints along the route.
The centre of Elounda’s activity is around its pretty harbour, where painted boats bob on the water and tavernas serve up fresh fish. An afternoon of bar hopping here is time well spent.
Seeking some retail therapy? Go shopping on Elounda’s main thoroughfare, Akti Oloundos, where you can bag handmade jewellery, ceramics and souvenirs, or barter for fresh produce at the Friday market.
In the nearby hilltown of Krista a unique experience awaits. Every August, couples who marry in the village allow members of the public to ‘crash’ their wedding, joining in with the traditional Cretan celebrations.
No holiday in Elounda is complete without an adventure on the ocean. Local boat operators run brilliant fishing tours, during which you’ll head out onto the high seas, catch your own lunch and barbecue it right on deck.

History in Elounda

This unassuming fishing village was built on top of a key Minoan city, and there are remnants of its long, varied history all over the place.

Visit Spinalonga Island, a former 20th-century leper colony. Boats drop you off at Dante’s Gate, and a trail around the island passes ruined churches, a cemetery and the original hospital.
To really go back in time in Elounda, take your snorkel and goggles to see the ancient sunken city of Olous. The ruins of the Minoan city can be seen from the shoreline, but the best experience is in the water itself.
Just south of Elounda on the forested slopes of Oxa lies the remains of Ancient Naxos. Believed to have served as the Acropolis for Olous, its ruined fortified ruins now overlook the Gulf of Mirabello.
Sitting beside the old salt pans south of Elounda, along the causeway to Kolokythas Island, is a collection of ancient windmills that make for a lovely photo opportunity.
Next to Olous you’ll spot a well-preserved mosaic, thought to belong to an early Christian basilica dating back to the Byzantine Era.

Food & Drink

Eating out

Elounda still operates as a fishing port, so this is one of the best places to try freshly-caught fish.

Traditional tavernas abound in Elounda, so book into one of the many restaurants that overlook the lovely harbour and order yourself some meze and ouzo.
Kanali is widely regarded as one of the finest establishments in town. Sitting on the coast next to the ancient city of Olous, you can dine on traditional dishes from their daily-changing menu.
Don’t miss a taste of some Cretan wine during your Elounda break. The island’s viticulture is maturing with each year, and new-style rose wines are a refreshing accompaniment to a Greek meze meal.
Seafood is plentiful in Elounda. Must-try foods include grilled octopus, which you’ll spot drying on racks in the sun outside the most traditional of tavernas, and creamy sea bream.
Fine-dining in Elounda isn’t hard to come by. Each of town’s high-end hotels and resorts has their own exceptional dining options, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Local dishes to try in Elounda

Holidays to Elounda revolve around beaches and mealtimes, and with plenty of traditional tavernas, this is a brilliant place to explore classic Greek cuisine.

Olive oil is central to Greek cuisine and is made on farms all over Crete. Learn about its production and taste the different varieties at the Cretan Olive Oil Farm just south of Elounda.
You won’t be able to resist the temptation of kakavia in Elounda, the traditional Cretan fisherman’s stew. White fish steaks, prawns, potatoes, stock and parsley make up this moreish dish.
Crete is home to a host of cheeses, some of which aren’t made anywhere else in the country. Graviera is a sheep’s milk cheese and, traditionally, it’s aged in the White Mountains for six months. Taste it with some paximadia – traditional Cretan hard bread.
No Greek meze platter is complete without taramasalata. Made with salted and cured fish roe, this tangy dip pairs perfectly with pita and fresh breads.
Grilled meats are a big deal on Crete and they even have their own grilling method: antikristo. Try their succulent barbecued lamb with a Cretan salad.

Holiday types

Family holidays

With its quiet vibes, Elounda is the perfect family holiday. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained, from unique transport to exciting animals.

A four-hour excursion, Elounda’s Happy Train is a wonderful way to spend the day exploring the local area. Following the waterfront all the way to Plaka, it climbs into the mountains to visit small villages and viewpoints.
If you’ve a budding naturalist in the family, don’t miss a trip to Amazonas Park, where endangered parrots, monkeys and lemurs laze about in the Greek sunshine.
There are plenty of family-friendly beaches in and around Elounda, and thanks to its sheltered position on the coast swimming in the sea is great for the kids.
The Elounda Residence Water Park is the perfect place to cool off with the kids, with its numerous pools, twisting slides and games areas.
Staying in Elounda is brilliant for families, as there are ample hotels and resorts with amenities for children, such as kids’ clubs, playgrounds and splash pools.

Luxury in Elounda

This is by far Greece’s most luxurious and exclusive destination, with a stunning collection of five-star hotels and resorts that have hosted royals and celebrities.

For a truly exclusive experience, book into the Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel, whic offers suites with private pools and jacuzzi.
Want to dine like a celebrity? Book into Domes of Elounda, which boasts an incredible four restaurants.
Countless hotels and resorts in Elounda have their own exceptional spas. Book in for a day for a pampering session.
Have a meal designed by a celebrity chef at The Ferryman. Amazing views out to Spinalonga and exceptional traditional cuisine by Yiannis Baxevanis will wow you.
Hop aboard your own private yacht for the day with Elounda VIP Cruises. Their vessels are fully staffed and the Champagne flows freely as you cruise Mirabello Bay to seek out a secluded cove to relax in.

Beaches

Best beaches in Elounda

From secluded coves to idyllic island escapes, Elounda beach holidays are guaranteed to help you relax and recharge.

Hop over the causeway and onto Kolokythas Island to remote Kolokytha Beach. It’s a bit of a hike but well worth it for the crystal-clear waters – especially in early morning before the crowds arrive.
Just around the headland south of Kolothyka Beach is Vayu, another secluded stretch that attracts far fewer crowds and has a wonderful wilderness vibe.
On the western side of Kolokythas Island, Vathi Beach is a popular stop for Spinalonga boat tours. There are no facilities, but a few trees provide ample shade from the sweltering Cretan sun, and the swimming is gorgeous.
On the fringes of an old quarry on Kolothyka Island, the tiny shingle Pelekiti Beach is a seriously secluded spot for swimming and sunbathing. Few visitors make it this far north on the island, so you might just have the place to yourself.
This part of the coast is peppered with private beaches belonging to luxury hotels. Agia Paraskevi is one such stretch, with golden shingle and brilliant blue waters, and excellent cocktails from the Royal Marlin Hotel.

Family beaches in Elounda

Elounda’s exclusive beaches have plenty of facilities for families, while the free municipal beach is within easy reach of the town.

The town’s main municipal beach, Elounda Beach, is a convenient spot to take the kids. Sun loungers and parasols abound, there are boat hire services from the short jetty and a playground behind the beach.
With lifeguards, sun loungers and watersports on offer, Hiona Beach is well set up for family beach holidays. From here you can also snorkel in the ruins of the ancient city of Olous.
Just north of Elounda the beach resort of Plaka (also called Driros Beach) has unrivalled views of the Spinalonga Venetian fortress across the water. There are toilets and sun loungers here, making it an ideal place to spend the day with the kids.
Between Elounda and the town of Agios Nikolaos to the south, Candia Beach offers a place for parents to relax while the kids have their own adventures. The swimming is safe, there are pedal boats for hire and a good restaurant just behind the sand.
A little further south, Almyros Beach is a well-developed, wide expanse of golden sand perfect for a long day by the sea. A lifeguard is on duty throughout summer, there’s watersports on offer and toilet and refreshments facilities.

Elounda weather

Jan

14°C

Avg. Dry Days 19

Feb

14°C

Avg. Dry Days 20

Mar

15°C

Avg. Dry Days 24

Apr

18°C

Avg. Dry Days 25

Nov

19°C

Avg. Dry Days 23

Dec

16°C

Avg. Dry Days 20

Your Elounda questions answered

What’s the best time to visit Elounda?

The best time to visit Elounda is in summer, between June and September, when the weather is at its hottest and driest. Spring and autumn are cooler, which is ideal if you prefer a milder climate.

When is the cheapest time to visit Elounda?

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Prices last checked at 01:23 21 January 2021